Players in the mining sector are encountering difficulties in securing approvals from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, despite ongoing government reforms aimed at improving the industry.
A lobby group within the sector is urging the government to expedite the establishment and licensing processes for mining activities in Kenya, warning that delays are harming the industry.
The Mining Engineers Society of Kenya (MESK) has expressed concern over the potential closure of Base Titanium, the country’s largest mining company, located in Kwale County. They argue that such a closure would lead to significant job losses and a sharp decline in government revenue from the mining sector.
Joseph Komu, chairman of MESK, stressed the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that communities around the mine site would be particularly hard-hit by the closure.
He highlighted the need for urgency in fast-tracking the licensing of already vetted mining companies, especially with Base Titanium winding down operations. Komu warned that the current backlog in approvals could leave many qualified mining professionals in Kenya unemployed, at a time when the government is prioritizing youth employment and should therefore focus on sectors like mining.
